Chapter 22: Advice - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 22: Advice
"Mother Empress received a Persian cat as tribute from an external vassal last time and it's extremely beautiful. It has been pampered and well-fed in the mansion ever since. But when Eldest Sister-in-law went back, she couldn't help but envy it. I heard that there will be more treasures coming this time, not just tributes. If any merchants accompanying the envoy bring some, I must pick out a good one to give to Eldest Sister-in-law."
Princess Wen sighed with emotion.
Her eldest sister-in-law was particularly fond of raising cats, and she already had three precious ones in her courtyard. However, compared to the Persian cat, they were somewhat lacking, so she had been longing for one.
"You two daughters-in-law are so considerate of each other, it makes me jealous just to see it. It's rare for sisters-in-law to get along so well."
The Dowager suddenly spoke after a long silence, causing Princess Wen to burst into laughter.
"Dowager is flattering me too much. Everyone in the Eastern Capital knows that your three daughters-in-law are the most virtuous and courteous, managing the household well and raising their children excellently. Last time, I heard Big Brother say that another martial arts scholar emerged, so I'm sure someone from your family will become the top scholar again in next year's martial arts examination."
The Dowager did not respond, but her smile reached her eyes.
In the Marshal's Mansion, three generations were all military generals, especially her grandsons, each more outstanding than the last. Their faces shone with brilliance.
Suddenly, her gaze fell on Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao, and there was a hint of affection in her eyes.
"Why don't you talk to your grandmother and mothers? I'll go find my aunt to see if there's anything I can help with." With that, she bowed to Feng Jinyao and left.
She took a few quick steps out of the Shou'an Courtyard before patting her chest with lingering fear.
"That was terrifying. You don't know that the Dowager's grandsons are like black bears in the forest. Every time I see them, I'm afraid they'll knock me senseless with a slap."
"Haha, are you exaggerating? I think the Dowager's grandsons are quite good. They're quite comparable to our Bai family's status."
Bai Siruo gave her a big glare with her phoenix eyes. "Keep laughing. If you don't stop, the Dowager will arrange a marriage for you. Then we'll see if you can still laugh."
Feng Jinyao knew she was joking but decided to play along and gave her a way out.
"Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Shall we go find Aunt now?"
"Yeah, but I have to remind you, don't wander around in front of the Dowager too much. Her grandsons are really... like warriors descended from the heavens. It's best not to provoke them with our puny arms and legs."
For some reason, Bai Siruo's impression of anyone aiming to advance through martial arts examinations was very fearful.
She always felt that they were simple-minded, strong men.
On the other side, Wei Lanxuan and the others were admiring the plum blossoms.
The red-heart sandalwood plum trees planted in the garden beside the pavilion were especially beautiful in the winter.
Madam Lin had someone tidy up the pavilion and lit plenty of charcoal inside, so they didn't feel cold while admiring the plum blossoms.
Taking up the tea cup at hand, Liang Luo took a sip and said with a hint of disdain, "I have to say, the tea in the Empress Dowager's palace is the best. I heard it's personally awarded by His Majesty. The tea outside always tastes bland."
Her words were clearly aimed at praising Wei Lanxuan. Her aunt was the most favored concubine in the current court, so she naturally had to maintain her appearance.
After hearing her words, the slight annoyance from earlier dissipated.
"Your words are sweet. I remember you liked the lynx cat in Aunt's palace last time. It's going to be presented again in a few days. This time, I'll ask Aunt to keep one for you, so you won't envy it anymore."
"Really?"
Liang Luo's eyes lit up. She really liked cats, especially the Persian cat presented as a tribute from an external vassal.
Its fur was smooth, and it had heterochromia, one blue eye and one yellow eye, making it exceptionally beautiful.
"When have I ever lied to you?"
"You're really kind, Sister Wei."
After saying this, she glanced at Bai Sihan beside her, her eyes filled with provocation.
It seemed to say, "See that? I'm her best sister. You're just a pawn."
Bai Sihan felt annoyed but maintained a calm demeanor. In front of everyone, she had to lower her head.
No wonder her mother was determined to integrate into the Eastern Capital. It was to avoid being looked down upon by others. She would do the same in the future.
It was just a cat, after all.
Once she had a prominent and noble family in her husband's house, she would definitely return today's insult to Liang Luo!
In the Bai Mansion, the birthday banquet was coming to an end.
Su Cheng, who was drunk in the front courtyard, was carried away by someone.
After sending off the guests, the two nephews had some leisure time to talk.
"You scored top in the examinations this time. Do you want to go out for a few years to gain experience, or do you want to advance further in the Great Court of Justice? Have you made up your mind?"
Bai Chaohai, the eldest nephew of the Bai family, was a Hanlin Academician. The matter of the Ministry of Personnel's examinations was also closely related to their Hanlin Academy, so he received the news earlier.
Feng Jinlin shook his head. "Nephew will follow the arrangement. However, if it were up to me, I would like to go out and see the world. It's boring to stay under the Emperor's feet all day, unaware of the people's opinions outside."
Bai Chaohai admired him with a glance.
In terms of looks and intelligence, Feng Jinlin was the most similar to his father. Perhaps it was because of his meticulous mind, but unfortunately, he was not a match for Bai Chaohai.
At the age of twenty, he had already reached the rank of sixth-grade prefectural judge in the Ministry of Justice. With his excellent performance in the examinations this time, he might even achieve the fifth-grade rank when he is sent out, which was truly impressive.
He had no children of his own, so he was particularly concerned about this eldest nephew of his.
Naturally, he also cared about his future prospects, so he spoke earnestly to him.
"The Bai family has few descendants, and your generation only has Bai Siruo and Bai Sihan as daughters at home. When they leave, this household will be empty. Without the support of your maternal family, when we're gone, they'll have to rely on you, the eldest cousin, to support them. Otherwise, if they're bullied in their husband's house, they won't know who to turn to!"
His words were full of advice.
Feng Jinlin's expression became more serious. "Uncle, rest assured, with me here, I will never let my cousins be bullied."
"Good, as long as you say that."
After saying that, he patted his shoulder, sighed heavily, and walked towards the inner courtyard with his hands behind his back.
In the study, Bai Xiang was sitting at the head, and standing below was his third son, Bai Chaokou, looking respectful, listening to his father's teachings.
"Come sit here and play chess with me."
"Yes."
When Bai Xiang mentioned playing chess, he wasn't referring to the black and white pieces of Go, but rather military chess.
Each side held their own pieces, and the game was a matter of life and death. Compared to the slow encirclement and elimination of Go, he preferred the swift and decisive military chess, leaving no room for retreat.
Among his three sons, Bai Chaokou was the best at chess, perhaps because of his meticulous thinking, but unfortunately, he was no match for Bai Xiang.
"Can you blame me for cutting off your glorious future?
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